Santonastasso Enterprises owns and operates thirteen McDonald's franchises in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They had to pay a civil penalty of $57,332 for violating child labor laws.

An investigation found child labor violations involving more than a hundred teenagers at McDonald's locations in Pittsburgh, the U.S. Department of Labor said on Monday.

“The fast food franchise, Santonastasso Enterprises, illegally scheduled 14 and 15-year-old employees to work too many hours or work late shifts at 13 of its restaurants," according to  officials.

The owners, John and Kathleen Santonastasso, stated that they "regret[ed] any scheduling issues that may have occurred at [their] restaurants." They also added that they have since enforced "a series of new…processes and procedures to ensure employees are scheduled appropriately."

In the investigation, officials found that a minor under the age of 16 was tasked to operate a deep fryer that was missing a widget that lowered and raised the baskets– a task too dangerous for minors.

A McDonald's agent added, "While franchisees make local decisions for their businesses, including around labor and employment practices, they must comply with all state and federal laws, and we expect them to uphold our values in everything they do."

By Olivia Kim